The best Garmin watches for training and everyday life

Few names are as intrinsically linked to outdoor pursuits as Garmin. Across various athletic disciplines, from 5Ks to Ironman triathlons, their fitness trackers and smartwatches are a common sight. Devotees span diverse activities including diving, hiking, golf, and kiteboarding, illustrating the brand’s widespread appeal. However, Garmin devices are not solely tailored for professional athletes. The company has expanded its focus significantly into lifestyle-oriented products, ensuring that regardless of one’s fitness level, there is a Garmin watch to meet individual needs.

For those transitioning from conventional smartwatches, Garmin’s key advantages reside in fitness tracking, GPS capabilities, adventure features, and robust build quality. These are resilient devices engineered to endure challenging conditions and operate for extended periods—often weeks—on a single charge. Many models incorporate offline maps, sophisticated navigation tools, and a broader array of training data than competing platforms. Garmin smartwatches generally occupy a higher price point and have recently introduced paywalls for access to the newest functionalities, a decision marking a shift from their previously stated commitment to free feature access.

Garmin devices also offer respectable smart features. While prioritizing fitness over competitors like Apple, Google, or Samsung, they incorporate essential functionalities such as notifications and supplementary capabilities. Notably, many Garmin watches feature fall detection and safety mechanisms, with some newer models adding FDA-cleared EKG functionality. (A smartphone connection is typically necessary, as only a single Garmin model provides cellular connectivity.) Furthermore, many Garmin devices support offline music playback and access to a limited range of third-party applications.

The extensive selection of Garmin watches can be overwhelming. With six primary product lines, each encompassing numerous models, the choices are vast. However, with consistent testing of various Garmin models annually, guidance is available to navigate this extensive catalog.

Top Garmin Watch for Runners

Dimensions: 42mm case with 18mm straps; 46mm case with 22mm straps / Weight: 39g (42mm); 47g (46mm) / Battery life: Up to 15 days (42mm); 13 days (46mm) in smartwatch mode / Display technology: OLED touchscreen / GPS System: All-systems GNSS and dual-frequency GPS / Connectivity options: Bluetooth, Ant Plus, Wi-Fi / Water resistance rating: 5ATM / Internal music storage: 8GB

Garmin presents a wide array of running watches, many of which are highly capable. However, the Forerunner 265 or 265S (suited for smaller wrists) achieves an optimal equilibrium of cost, features, battery life, and a vibrant OLED screen.

The Forerunner 265 / 265S release is somewhat unusual, arriving just nine months after its predecessor, the Forerunner 255, with considerable overlap in features. The primary distinction lies in the 265’s OLED display compared to the 255’s memory-in-pixel (MIP) screen. OLED screens typically reduce battery life, but the 265 maintains approximately one week of usage on a single charge with the always-on display active, and up to 15 days without. The enhanced readability and visual appeal of OLED provide the 265 series with an advantage over the 255.

The 265 also incorporates dual-frequency GPS technology (multi-band GPS), which enhances mapping accuracy in challenging environments like urban areas and dense forests by utilizing both L1 and L5 satellite frequencies. Despite enabling dual-frequency GPS, battery consumption remains efficient. During a half marathon with both dual-frequency GPS and AOD enabled, battery levels remained above 80 percent post-race. The pricing is also competitive, as most multi-band GPS watches exceed $600.

Although the $450 price point is reasonable for Garmin, it remains considerable when compared to smarter smartwatches with similar running functionalities. For budget-conscious runners or newcomers uncertain about a significant investment, the Forerunner 165 series is a viable alternative. Starting at $250 (with an additional $50 for onboard music), it offers nearly all features of the 265 series, primarily omitting dual-frequency GPS and a few niche sport profiles. However, for common activities like running, gym workouts, cycling, swimming, and hiking, it remains well-equipped.

Both series offer essential features for training, from 5Ks to full marathons, including a Race Predictor for estimated performance times based on training data, and PacePro for race pacing strategies. They also integrate Garmin’s Training Readiness feature for load and recovery assessment, Garmin Coach training plans, and a suite of running form metrics. Offline music support and safety features like fall detection are included, with the primary omission being advanced mapping capabilities. (Trackback, point-to-point navigation, and real-time breadcrumb trail support are still available.)

Best Garmin for Endurance Athletes

Dimensions: 42mm case with 20mm straps; 47mm case with 22mm straps; 51mm case with 26mm straps / Weight: 42mm: 63g stainless steel, 58g titanium; 47mm: 78g stainless steel, 70g titanium; 51mm: 98g stainless steel, 88g titanium / Battery life: 42mm: up to 10 days (4 with AOD); 47mm: up to 16 days (6 with AOD); 51mm: up to 31 days (11 with AOD) / Display type: OLED / GPS System: All-systems GNSS and dual-frequency GPS / Connectivity options: Bluetooth, Ant Plus, Wi-Fi / Water resistance rating: 10ATM / Internal music storage: Up to 32GB

The Epix Pro encompasses the entirety of Garmin’s fitness feature repertoire. It offers comprehensive functionality, lacking only features exclusive to LTE smartwatches and some recent smart features on the Fenix 8, such as an integrated voice assistant. Otherwise, it includes topographical maps, turn-by-turn directions, and an extensive array of training metrics.

The Pro model offers greater size inclusivity compared to the standard second-generation Epix, now available in 42mm and 51mm sizes alongside the original 47mm. This addresses prior feedback on size limitations. Notably, the Pro models maintain the same starting price as the earlier Epix, with an additional $100 for premium materials like titanium and sapphire crystal, consistent with the standard Epix pricing structure.

However, the product range complexity increases when considering the Epix Pro alongside the Fenix 7, Fenix 7 Pro, and the latest Fenix 8. The primary differentiation is the OLED displays featured on all Epix watches. OLED screens offer improved indoor readability, a typical advantage given most users spend considerable time indoors. While the Fenix 7 series’ memory-in-pixel displays (and solar charging options) provide extended battery life up to weeks, the smallest Epix Pro delivers approximately 10 days on a single charge with standard usage. Larger Epix Pro models offer even longer battery life, but the 42mm version sufficiently meets most user needs. Garmin also incorporates various battery-saving modes to further extend operational time.

Adding to the complexity, the Fenix 8 offers a choice between OLED or MIP displays and includes smart features like an onboard voice assistant, call reception from the wrist, and the Garmin Messenger application. However, its starting price is considerably higher than the standard Fenix 7 and comparable to the Epix Pro. The Fenix 8’s smart features may be considered moderate enhancements, and significant value can be found in discounted older models like the Epix Pro or Fenix 7 Pro while stock remains.

A key highlight of the Epix Pro is its integrated hands-free flashlight, easily activated with a double button press. This feature, as bright as a smartphone flashlight, includes a red light option and strobe functionality for emergencies. The Fenix 7 Pro and 8 watches also feature a flashlight, making the choice dependent on display preference, price sensitivity, and desired smart features.

For maximum battery endurance, the Fenix 7 Pro is recommended over the standard 7 due to its brighter MIP display, flashlight availability across all sizes, and updated sensor array. It is also preferable to MIP versions of the Fenix 8, offering more size options at a roughly $300 lower price point, particularly given the Fenix 8’s somewhat underdeveloped smart features.

Best Budget-Friendly Garmin

Dimensions: 40mm case with 20mm straps / Weight: 19g / Battery life: Up to 5 days / Display type: “Hidden” OLED touchscreen / GPS: Tethered GPS / Connectivity options: Bluetooth, Ant Plus / Water resistance rating: 5ATM / Internal music storage: N/A

The Vivomove Sport’s appeal lies in its conventional watch aesthetic, diverging from typical Garmin designs. As a hybrid smartwatch, it blends traditional watch looks with fitness tracking and notification features. Garmin’s hybrid models uniquely feature a hidden OLED display which activates only when needed.

This model is ideally suited for moderately active individuals prioritizing style and value in a lightweight design, emphasizing wellness over intense fitness tracking. It provides continuous heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring, along with abnormal heart rate alerts. Users also gain access to detailed metrics such as respiration rate, fitness age, stress levels, and Body Battery, Garmin’s tool for assessing recovery status. Basic smart features include notifications, alarms, and timers.

The Sport model is less feature-rich than other Garmin watches, utilizing tethered GPS via a smartphone instead of built-in GPS, and omitting contactless payments, microphone, or speaker for on-wrist calls. However, as a budget-oriented option, it offers substantial functionality for an entry-level device with a design comparable to a Swatch watch.

The battery life, approximately three to four days, is relatively short for a hybrid smartwatch but still exceeds that of Apple Watch or Wear OS 4 devices. For an additional $100, the Vivomove Trend offers upgraded materials, a larger screen, and wireless Qi charging. Otherwise, the Vivomove Sport serves as a stylish and more refined alternative to typical fitness bands.

For users seeking a newer and stylish alternative to the Sport, the Garmin Lily 2 is a suitable option, especially for smaller wrists or preferences for lightweight devices. While swipe and tap gestures remain somewhat cumbersome, similar to the first-generation model, the refreshed design offers a subtle way to monitor fitness without excessive notifications. Garmin also provides the Lily 2 Active variant, which adds a physical button, GPS, and expanded sports tracking capabilities.

Best Garmin as a Fitbit Alternative

Dimensions: 40mm case with 20mm straps / Weight: 38g / Battery life: Up to 11 days / Display type: OLED touchscreen / GPS: All-systems GNSS / Connectivity options: Bluetooth, Ant Plus / Water resistance rating: 5ATM / Internal music storage: 4GB (for Music Edition)

For users disappointed with the Fitbit Sense 2 and Versa 4, the Venu Sq 2 presents a compelling alternative, and in some aspects, an improvement.

The Venu Sq 2’s aesthetic closely resembles an Apple Watch at first glance. While constructed from plastic, it maintains a stylish and lightweight profile. The display is bright, easily legible, and visually superior to previous Versa or Sense models.

Feature-rich for its price, it incorporates built-in GPS, numerous watch faces, emergency safety features, and contactless payment capability. The Music Edition, at a $50 premium, offers approximately 500 songs of storage, but is not essential due to the absence of cellular connectivity, suggesting users will likely carry a phone.

For health tracking, the Venu Sq 2 offers virtually all functionalities of a Versa or Sense smartwatch, enhanced by Garmin’s comprehensive suite of metrics. This includes heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring, intensity minutes, stress tracking, hydration monitoring, respiration rate, menstrual cycle tracking, and Garmin’s Body Battery recovery assessment. Fitness features extend to Garmin Coach, providing complimentary 5K, 10K, and half marathon training programs.

A significant distinction favoring Garmin over Fitbit is the absence of paywalls for these features and metrics. While Garmin’s AI-driven insights and certain advanced features are reserved for Garmin Connect Plus subscribers, core functionality remains accessible without subscription.

Best Overall Garmin Smartwatch

Dimensions: 41mm case with 18mm straps; 45mm case with 22mm straps / Weight: 40g for the 3S; 47g for the 3 / Battery life: Up to 10 days for 3S; 14 days for 3 / Display type: OLED touchscreen / GPS: GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO / Connectivity options: Bluetooth, Ant Plus, Wi-Fi / Water resistance rating: 5ATM / Internal music storage: 8GB

Garmin has steadily enhanced the smart capabilities of its watches, with the Venu 3 series representing the most intelligent and affordably priced in their lineup.

Available in 41mm and 45mm sizes, the Venu 3 series, like the Venu 2 Plus, includes a microphone and speaker, enabling call handling directly from the wrist and voice command access to a paired smartphone digital assistant via Bluetooth. While not integrating Siri, Bixby, Alexa, or Google Assistant directly, it offers a functional workaround for hands-free control. Safety features such as fall detection and live tracking, along with contactless payments, are also supported.

The OLED display provides both vibrancy and readability. Health and fitness features encompass a balance of basic and advanced metrics, including Garmin’s newest heart rate sensor facilitating FDA-cleared EKG and AFib detection. Functionality leans towards wellness and health tracking with intensity minutes, blood oxygen monitoring, sleep analysis, menstrual cycle tracking, abnormal heart rate alerts, and stress level monitoring. Training features include built-in GPS, VO2 Max estimation, heart rate zones, respiration rate tracking, and downloadable training programs via Garmin Coach.

New additions to the 3 and 3S models are a sleep coach, incorporating metrics like heart rate variability and recent activity to assess sleep needs, and nap detection. The Venu 3 series also introduces audio-guided meditation sessions with metric integration and a new wheelchair mode.

The Fenix 8 technically offers slightly enhanced smart features with an onboard voice assistant, but its significantly higher price point positions it less favorably in terms of value for typical athletes, catering more to individuals engaged in extensive weekly training.

The Venu 3 is suited for users seeking comprehensive training data without sacrificing smartwatch productivity. Primary limitations include the absence of cellular options and a broad third-party app ecosystem. However, it supports offline playback via Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer. It is a solid choice for those seeking a more intelligent Garmin device with an OLED display.

Update, April 12th: Pricing / availability adjustments and copy updates reflect the introduction of Garmin Connect Plus.